The problem with many LED torches is that while they are bright when you look directly at them, the power of the reflected beam is often poor - but this is changing fast.
£434
The benefits are more pronounced: LEDs are very energy-efficient, and help reduce the size of the battery packs divers must carry if they want dazzling lights underwater. They can typically burn for more than 50,000 hours, are virtually indestructible and are shock-resistant.
The new Wiseled torches are good examples of lamps that deliver a punchy output from a relatively small power source. We tested the top-of-the-range 1500 model with a light output of a whopping 1,500 lumens. To put this in perspective, the renowned Underwater Kinetics Light Cannon produces a mere 450 lumens. The secret to the lamp's high output is the seven super-bright LEDs with special reflectors.
The lamp is powered by a modestly sized 12v, 4.4Ah lithium-ion battery pack, which has a life of up to ten years. Charging is simply done by connecting the plug to the socket at the back of the torch. All the seals remain intact and the contacts are gold-plated so won't rust. Burn time at full power is around 100 minutes, extending to 500 minutes on the dimmest setting.
Underwater, the 1500 doesn't disappoint and would rival most compact high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps. When we turned on the booster power, the light was stunning - comparable to that of a car headlight. You can also set it to flash 'SOS'. Weighing well under a kilogram, it's light enough to take abroad and, with a depth rating of 90 metres, will keep most of the technical guys happy.
I think I can safely say that halogen-bulb technology is dead and HID is coming to the end of its useful life, as LEDs are winning the battle for supremacy. The only downside is that, as with all new gadgets, the torch is expensive - but in time it will become more affordable.
DIVE SAYS…
LED power means dark dives are long gone Value 7 Performance 9
